news release - Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk

King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council 

Pre Submission Consultation Statement 

November 2009 

1

Contents 

Section Title Page 

1 Introduction 3 

2 First Issues Paper Consultation 6 

3 Issues and Options Consultation 6 

4 Preferred Options Consultation 10 

5 Joint Consultation with the Sustainable Community 

13 

Strategy 

6 Regulation 25 Consultation 19 

7 General Arrangements 27 

Appendices 


A Core Strategy Consultees 29 

B Joint Consultation with the Sustainable Community 

Strategy, including- 

� Consultation Leaflet 

� Poster & Advertisement 

� Flip Chart Sheets 

� Press Release 

� Letter sent to consultees 

C Regulation 25 Consultation, including- 

� Exhibition Boards 


� Advertisement 

� WNP Newsletter 

� Internal Affairs 

� Consultation with ‘hard to reach groups’ 


43 

45 

46 

48 

51 

53 

60 

62 

63 

64 

65 

75 

2

1. Introduction 

The Core Strategy 

1.1 The Core Strategy is a strategic Development Plan Document setting out 

the overall strategy for development in the district, including a spatial 

vision and objectives. It makes strategic allocations in the district for the 

major housing growth in the borough, as well as employment areas, retail 

expansion and areas of conservation and protection. It sets out in broad 

terms the spatial strategy and apportionment of development for the rest 

of the district, but does not identify sites for this growth. Once adopted, the 

Core Strategy will be part of the Local Development Framework. 

Process 

1.2 The process of preparing the West Norfolk Core Strategy is summarised 

as follows: 

Table 1: Process of preparing the Core Strategy 

ISSUES AND OPTIONS 

July-August 2005 

PREFERRED OPTIONS 

October-November 2006 

‘YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR 

NEIGHBOURHOOD’ JOINT 

CONSULTATION WITH THE SCS 

February-March 2008 

REGULATION 25 DOCUMENT 

February-April 2009 

Public consultation on the issues and 

options was carried out in Jul-Aug 

2005. The comments received were 

used to inform the preparation of the 

Preferred Options draft of the Core 

Strategy DPD. 

Public consultation on the Preferred 

Options was carried out in Oct-Nov 

2006. The document was accompanied 

by a sustainability appraisal report. The 

comments received were used to 

inform the joint consultation on the 

Core Strategy and Sustainable 

Community Strategy (SCS). 

Joint public consultation was carried 

out in Feb-Mar 2008. The comments 

received were used to inform the 

drafting of the Regulation 25 version of 

the Core Strategy. 

Public consultation on the Core 

Strategy Regulation 25 document was 

carried out in Feb-Apr 2009. A 

sustainability appraisal was carried out 

on the document and this alongside the 

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PROPOSED SUBMISSION 

PUBLICATION 

January-February 2010 

SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS & 

INFORMATION TO SECRETARY OF 

STATE 

March 2010 

Regulations 

comments received were used to 

inform the pre submission Core 

Strategy. 

The pre submission Core Strategy and 

final sustainability appraisal report have 

been published for six weeks in order 

for representations (on the tests of 

soundness) to be made. 

At the end of the publication period, the 

Core Strategy DPD, the sustainability 

appraisal report and all representations 

will be submitted, together with a 

summary of the main issues raised 

during the publication period, to the 

Secretary of State in order for an 

examination to begin into the 

‘soundness’ of the DPD. 

1.3 The Core Strategy has been prepared under the Town and Country 

Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 up to and 

including the Preferred Options stage. In the summer of 2008, the 

Government changed the process for preparing Local Development 

Frameworks and so the Core Strategy has since been prepared under the 

Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) 

Regulations 2009. Therefore the form and timing of the plan being 

produced for the Publication and Submission stages in 2009/10 has been 

different to that envisaged when the document was first being prepared. 

1.4 The consultation has followed the methodology and techniques set out in 

the Statement of Community Involvement which is available to view on our 

website. 

About the proposed submission consultation statement 

1.5 This statement has been prepared in accordance with the Town and 

Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) 

Regulations 2009 1 . It is split into six parts, reflecting the three 

consultations carried out in relation to the Core Strategy: 

1 Regulation 24 (2) “proposed submission documents” (a) (iv) 

4

� Part 2: Local Plan Review - First Issues Paper 

� Part 3: Issues and Options consultation 

� Part 4: Preferred Options consultation 

� Part 5: Joint consultation with the Sustainable Community Strategy - 

‘Your views on your neighborhood’ (Re-visiting the issues for the 

Borough). 

� Part 6: Core Strategy Regulation 25 consultation 

1.6 For each consultation stage listed above, this document sets out: 

� Which bodies and persons were invited to make representations; 

� How these bodies and persons were invited to make representations; 

� A summary of the main issues raised by those representations; and 

� How representations have been taken into account in drafting the Core 

Strategy. 

1.7 There has been a significant amount of consultation carried out from the 

review of the Local Plan in 2001 to the joint consultation with the 

Sustainable Community Strategy in 2008. The Core Strategy Regulation 

25 document drew a line under the consultation at that point in time, and 

that document included a review of the results of consultation to date. 

Within each chapter there was a ‘What you have told us’ section and this, 

alongside the evidence base, sustainability appraisal etc, clearly informed 

the policy approach. 

1.8 There are reports available of all comments made at each stage of the 

consultation process, and these are available on our website. The reports 

for the joint consultation with the Sustainable Community Strategy and the 

Regulation 25 consultation also include officers responses to the 

comments raised. 

5

2. First Issues Paper Consultation (2001) 

2.1 Following adoption of the Local Plan in 1998, the Council then began to 

review the document with a First Issues Paper out for consultation in 

September 2001. While this consultation was carried out some years ago 

and much of the consultation work superseded, the consultation was 

extensive and the results fed into the Core Strategy Issues and Options 

Paper as discussed below. A report on the results of this consultation 

process is available on request. 

3. Issues and Options Consultation (2005) 

Introduction 

3.1 The Issues and Options consultation on the Core Strategy ran from 6 July 

to 17 August 2005. This was an invitation to the community to comment 

on the issues to be addressed in the Core Strategy, to assist the Council 

in developing options, and later to identify a ‘preferred option’. 

3.2 The Core Strategy Issues and Options document revisits the results of the 

‘Local Plan Review Issues Paper 1’ and identifies the key issues identified 

under a series of headings. 

3.3 The Issues and Options document goes on to identify components of the 

vision for the Borough and what this means for the LDF. The priority 

headlines include: 

� West Norfolk’s local identity and distinctiveness is important 

� Housing provision should be appropriate to what people in West 

Norfolk need and can afford 

� Crime and nuisance concern the people of West Norfolk 

� West Norfolk’s local facilities and services are important in helping 

meet the needs of local people 

� Develop a safe and good transport system 

� Enable the development of a prosperous and diverse local economy 

� Developing a good telecommunications system is an essential part of 

the future for West Norfolk 

� West Norfolk’s opportunities for tourism, sport, recreation and culture 

are important to our well-being and local economy 

� Improve the health and well-being of local residents 

� West Norfolk’s countryside should be protected for its own sake while 

enabling rural diversification 

� King’s Lynn should be the focus for major new development 

� New development in Downham Market and Hunstanton should be 

appropriate to their roles and functions 

6

� The local identity of West Norfolk’s villages should be recognized West 

Norfolk has many low-lying areas that may be at risk from sea and 

river flooding 

� Demand for energy is increasing – energy efficiency measures will 

help to limit this increase, and renewable energy will be an important 

source to meet the demand 

� Make efficient use of water and other natural resources 

3.4 The document also asks consultees to consider three options for 

development in West Norfolk: 

� Option 1: Concentrated strategy 

� Option 2: Town growth strategy 

� Option 3: Geographic spread 

and asks which was the preferred option for the Borough, or where there 

any other alternatives. 

3.5 The consultation comments form asked a series of questions about the 

options and also gave the opportunity for respondents to make any other 

comments. 

Who was invited to make comments at issues and options stage? 

3.6 Appendix 1 contains a list of those people and organisations consulted at 

the Issues and Options stage. The consultees can be grouped into the 

following respondent categories: 

� Individuals 

� Internal Council groups 

� Parish and Town Councils 

� Businesses 

� Housebuilders, Landowners and Agents 

� National, Regional and Local Government 

� Statutory Bodies and Groups 

� Local Stakeholder Organisations 

� Schools and Youth Groups 

� Hard-to-Reach Groups 

� Individuals/ organizations who participated in the Local Plan Review 

Issues Paper 

� Members – through LDF Task Group, DCB and Cabinet, as well as 

sending copies to all Members. 

� Developers/ Agents 

� Interest and Voluntary Groups 

� Public Sector Bodies 

� Community facilities 

7

How were comments invited at issues and options stage? 

3.7 A consultation booklet and questionnaire was published, and distributed 

with a letter to individuals and stakeholders already on the Council’s LDF 

database, and also made available at Council offices, libraries, exhibitions 

and at various other Council information points. The Issues and Options 

document was available on our website with full details of the consultation 

arrangements. To view a copy from our website: 

http://www.westnorfolk.gov.uk/pdf/Issues%20&%20Options%20Paper%20CS.pdf 

3.8 An exhibition was also held, at the following venues: 

Tues 12 July Exhibition - Tuesday Market Place 

Fri 15 July � Exhibition – shop unit on Broad Street 

Sat 16 July Exhibition – shop unit on Broad Street 

Wed 27 July Meeting at Hunstanton Town Council 

Fri 29 July � Exhibition – Town Square Downham Market 

Thurs 4 August Exhibition – Hunstanton Town Hall 

Thurs 11 August Exhibition – Town Hall Downham Market 

Tues 16 August Meeting at Downham Market Town Council 

The exhibition comprised themed boards setting out the key issues and 

options. Consultation material and planning officers were available, and 

boards and clipboards were provided to enable those attending the 

exhibitions to give their immediate comments on the issues raised in the 

consultation. 

3.9 Other methods of publicity were: 

� Wraparound spread in Citizen newspaper (Wed 6 July 2005) 

� Article in Your Council magazine (Autumn 2005) 

� Use of the council’s website and West Norfolk Partnership website 

� Letters to individuals and stakeholders already on the LDF mailing list 

� Advertisements in local papers 

� Press release 

� Leaflet drops (at Council offices and libraries), and roving leaflet 

distribution on the days on which exhibitions were held 

� Posters and A-boards at exhibition venues 

� These dates were market days, and were chosen as exhibition dates to take 

advantage of the higher number of visitors in each centre. 

8

3.10 Overall, the exhibitions were well attended and as well as comments 

made at the exhibitions, approximately 270 written/emailed consultation 

responses were received. 

What were the main issues raised at the Issues and Options stage? 

3.11 The main headlines of the consultation can be summarised as follows, 

these should be read in conjunction with the Issues & Options Paper: 

Question: Do you support this vision? Have we missed anything? 

� 166 people said that they agreed with the vision, 9 people said no and 

94 people said that they had no comment or didn’t know. 

Question: Do you agree that the LDF should do all the things proposed 

here? Are there other issues that we should consider as part of the Plan’s 

overall strategy? 

� We asked 269 people if they agreed with the LDF. 108 people said that 

they agreed with the LDF, 11 people said no and 150 people said that 

they had no comment or didn’t know. 

Question: Which option do you think is the best? Are there any other 

options? 

� 146 people said that they favoured option 1, a Concentrated Strategy, 

20 people favoured Option 2 Town Growth Strategy, 31 people said 

they favoured Geographic Spread and 86 people had no comment or 

didn’t know. 

A full report of consultation responses is available on our website. 

How were the main issues addressed? 

3.12 The results of the consultation on the Issues and Options Paper were 

taken forward and helped to shape and inform the Preferred Options 

Paper (see Section 4). In particular the comments in response to the 

approach to growth in the borough did dictate the spatial strategy for the 

Preferred Options Paper. 

Hunstanton and Downham Market Visioning Events 

3.13 The Council also organised specific workshops in Hunstanton and 

Downham Market to identify visions for the towns, and these included 

youth workshops to gain young peoples ideas. The workshops were run 

by an independent facilitator and involved key stakeholders throughout the 

communities. The events ran in Dec 05 – Feb 06. These visions fed 

directly into the Preferred Options Paper. Full reports of these events are 

available on request. 

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4. Preferred Options Consultation (2006) 

Introduction 

4.1 The Preferred Options Paper Core was produced in October 2006, 

accompanied by a Sustainability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment, 

the documents were published for public consultation for six weeks 

starting on Monday 9 October 2006 and ending on Mon 20 November 

2006. 

4.2 The issues and options from the previous consultations were developed 

into policy areas and presented as ‘preferred options’. The Council 

indicated it’s broad view on each of these policy areas, and the views of 

the public at ‘Issues and Options’ stages had been taken into account. 

The Preferred Options Core Strategy was not a ‘draft plan’ but instead, set 

out the council’s view on the best way to proceed in the development of 

policy. 

4.3 The Core Strategy was based around a preferred spatial vision, objectives 

and strategies with preferred policy approaches for housing, employment, 

biodiversity etc. The structure of the document outlines the preferred 

policy approach, the explanation for this and then details the rejected 

options for policy area. 

4.4 To accompany the Preferred Options Paper a questionnaire was produced 

for any member of the public, agent, Statutory Consultees to complete to 

enable a collection of public views regarding the Preferred Options for the 

future of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. 

Who was invited to make comments at preferred options stage? 


the Preferred Options stage. Broadly, this was all those who were 

consulted and who commented at the Issues and Options stage. The 

consultees can be grouped into the following respondent categories: 











10


Issues Paper 







How were comments invited at preferred options stage? 

4.6 The Core Strategy document was printed and published, and a separate 

comments form for each document was produced. These were distributed 

to consultees on our mailing list. The consultation material was made 

available to view at the council’s offices at King’s Lynn, Downham Market 

and Hunstanton, libraries and exhibitions, and on the council’s website. 

The Preferred Options Core Strategy is available to download from our 

website: 

http://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=24549 

4.7 Twelve pubic exhibitions were held across the Borough during the 6 week 

consultation the Core Strategy Preferred Options Paper. The exhibitions 

gave the public the opportunity to find out about the Core Strategy 

Preferred Options and to discuss the Preferred Options with Planning 

Policy Officers. The exhibitions were held at the three towns; King’s Lynn, 

Downham Market and Hunstanton, and the villages; Burnham Market, 

Dersingham, East Rudham, Methwold, Outwell, and Terrington St. 

Clements. A small selection of the exhibition boards was made available 

in the Council’s Customer Information Centre. 

4.8 Other methods of publicity included: 

� Your Council magazine (Autumn 2006/ Spring 2007) 

� Hunstanton Newsletter 

� Advertisements – Lynn News Fri 6 Oct to Wed 25 Oct (Tues, Wed and 

Fri papers) 

� Public Notices – Fenland Citizen 11 Oct 09 / EDP 9 Oct 09 / Lynn 

News 6, 10, 11 Oct 09. 

� Press Release 4 Oct 09. 

� Posters and Leaflets – distributed at events and posted out to Parish 

Councils etc 

� Use of the council’s website and West Norfolk Partnership website. 

� Posters on display at Council offices, libraries, parish council notice 

boards. 

11

What were the main issues raised at the preferred options stage? 

4.9 A total of 238 responses were received within the Statutory 6 week 

consultation period. A summary of the comments raised are detailed in a 

separate report. This report should be read in conjunction with the 

Preferred Options Paper. 

How were these issues addressed? 

4.10 Following comments from Go-East it was deemed necessary to revisit 

some of the issues and the structure of the document. The results of the 

consultation on the Preferred Options Paper were recorded and used to 

help inform the discussion papers for the joint consultation with the 

Sustainable Community Strategy in 2008. 

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5. Joint Consultation with the Sustainable Community Strategy - 

‘Your views on your neighborhood’ (Re-visiting the issues for 

the Borough) (2008) 

Introduction 

5.1 In the light of changes to Regulations, the increased emphasis of the need 

for a joined up approach between the Core Strategy and the Sustainable 

Community Strategy and comments made by Go-East in response to our 

Core Strategy Preferred Options Paper the decision was taken to re visit 

the Issues stage of the process. 

5.2 Consultation on the Local Development Framework and Sustainable 

Community Strategy entitled ‘Your views on your neighbourhood’ was 

carried out between 1 st and 31 st March 2008. The consultation was based 

around 5 discussion papers and these were centred around each of the 

Sustainable Community Strategy themes: 

� Cohesive & Equitable 

� Aspiring & Skilled 

� Attractive & Sustainable 

� Competitive & Enterprising 

� Accessible & Connected 

5.3 The discussion papers pulled together the results of the consultation on 

both the Issues & Options Paper and the Preferred Options Paper, and 

also initial consultation carried out for the Sustainable Community 

Strategy. 

Who was invited to make comments? 


the Preferred Options stage. Broadly, this was all those who were 

consulted and who commented at the Issues and Options stage. The 

consultees can be grouped into the following respondent categories: 











13


Issues Paper 







However we also consulted with: 

� West Norfolk Partnership database of contacts / consultees 

How were comments invited? 

5.5 The discussion papers were printed and published, and distributed to 

consultees on our mailing lists (detailed above). The consultation material 

was available to view on the Council’s website (http://www.westnorfolk.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=24611), 

at the Council’s offices and at 

our workshop events. Emails were also sent out where possible at the 

start of the consultation process, and a reminder email was sent out mid 

way through the consultation period. 

Workshops were held at the following venues: 

Saturday 1 st March Syderstone Village Hall 

Hunstanton Town Hall 

North Wootton Village Hall 

Leziate Village Hall 

Saturday 15 th March Feltwell British Legion Hall 

Downham Market High School 

Fincham Village Hall 

Tilney St Lawrence Village Hall 

Saturday 29 th March NORA 

Lynnsport 

Gaywood Church Rooms 

Over 200 people attended these workshops. 

5.6 We also held workshops specifically for our Parish and Town Councils to 

ensure their views were taken into account: 

Friday 16 th May 2008 Kings Lynn Town Hall 

Tuesday 27 th May 2008 Kings Lynn Town Hall 

Thursday 15 th May 2008 Hunstanton Town Hall 

Monday 19 th May 2008 Downham Market Town Hall 

14


� Newspaper adverts were placed in the following papers: Lynn News 

and Fenland Citizen (15 th , 19 th , 20 th and 22 nd February, 4 th , 5 th and 7 th 

March and 18 th , 19 th and 20 th March) 

� Use of the council’s website and West Norfolk Partnership website 

� Press release 20 Feb 2008 

� Posters and Leaflets – distributed at events and posted out to Parish 

Councils etc 

� Posters were produced and on display at Council offices, libraries, 

community and leisure facilities and town/parish council noticeboards. 

What were the main issues raised at this stage? 

5.8 Following consultation on the LDF Core Strategy held in Spring 2008, 

below is a summary of all comments received in response to the 

discussion papers. The discussion papers were written in line with the 

themes in the Sustainable Community Strategy. 

5.9 Aspiring and Skilled 

Developing skills and raising aspirations across West Norfolk with 

improved attainment, lifelong learning and local workforce skills. 

Comments received- 

� Support for improving skills and local knowledge base to create an 

educated and trained workforce. 

� The Council should adopt a pro active approach to retaining/supporting 

and attracting new business 

o Could we use financial incentives 

o Recognise the importance of the Port and support development 

o Increase the range of employers in the borough and as a result 

the range of job opportunities 

� Protect and improve cultural and leisure facilities available 

� Provide a range of employment sites, ensure these are available for 

employment uses 

o Support for Hardwick Estate Extension 

o Provide a range of sites (including sites for high quality office) 

o Recognise the need to expand King’s Lynn’s economy 

o Sites must be easily accessible 

o There is a need for flexibility of land uses, can’t be too restrictive 

(in line with PPS4) 

� Support rural employment and diversification (including working from 

home) 

� Re use brownfield sites in rural areas for employment first before 

allowing residential 

� Support the rural exception sites for appropriate employment uses, 

subject to meeting criteria 

15

5.10 Attractive and Sustainable 

Create places for people to live, work and visit that balance these needs 

with considerations for West Norfolk’s unique natural and built heritage. 


� Should make clearer the importance of our heritage, and the 

conservation of our built environment 

� Support for a dispersed approach to development in the borough, 

recognising the importance of Kings Lynn and using a hierarchy 

strategy for the borough. However would like some development in 

rural areas to sustain rural communities, we need a balanced 

approach. Kings Lynn is a priority but not at the expense of the rest of 

the borough. 

� Mixed views on any further expansion in Downham Market. 

� Real need for affordable housing. This is a priority for rural areas, and 

also Hunstanton and Downham Market. New development should 

include an aspect of affordable housing. 

� Developers should provide quality open space. This is wider and 

should safeguard biodiversity and include ecological enhancement to 

contribute towards the Green Infrastructure Management Plan. 

� Protect good quality agricultural land / enhance our waterways / 

support the Shoreline Management Plan / protect AONB but shouldn’t 

adopt a blanket restriction on new development. 

� Support green infrastructure and provide for a full range of recreation 

facilities 

� Recognise the balance between economic priorities for the borough 

and the environment. Also the priorities for financial contributions from 

developers. 

� Have regard to flood risk 

� There is support for renewable energy (although concerns at wind 

turbines), but need to consider the % we’ll require. 

5.11 Cohesive and Equitable 

Create and sustain fair, tolerant and cohesive neighbourhoods with a 

strong local culture and sense of community. 


� Retain and improve local services for all elements of our community 

throughout the borough, this is particularly important in rural areas. 

� Cultural and leisure facilities are crucial to improve our Quality of Life 

� Recognise the need to consider our approach to migrant worker 

housing. Ensuring private sector housing is of sufficient quality and 

looking at varying needs of transient groups. Need for accommodation 

to be close to local services and amenities. 

16

� Elderly housing should be part of larger estates with a mix of housing 

types, and close to local services and amenities. There is a need for 

more supported housing in the borough. 

� Support for a mix of housing types in a new development, and if the 

Council do indicate the types and sizes of mix should be a flexible 

approach, reflecting the SHLAA and SHMA. 

o The same approach to specifying housing mix should be taken 

borough wide 

o There should be a threshold before specifying housing mix 

� Support for high quality housing provision, although this should not just 

be in Kings Lynn. Should have a flexible policy approach for sub 

division, to enable planners to refuse applications where subdivision 

would be detrimental to the character of the area. 

� Mixed views of lifetime housing. Should consider as one type of 

property, so could be part of the mix on new development. Careful 

design in any new development should enable adaptation. 

� Growth should be in sustainable locations, but also support for 

appropriate rural areas. There is a need for a range of sites. 

5.12 Competitive and Enterprising 

Creating and sustaining a centre of regional importance with a diverse 

employment base built on the area’s economic strengths. 


� Protect the character and heritage of our market towns, and natural 

environment 

� Protect and enhance our cultural facilities, promote and expand our 

tourism offer across the borough 

� Need for flexible town centre policies 

� Balanced development in rural areas. 

o allow growth in rural economy 

o need for affordable housing 

o support for the exception policy for rural employment and 

affordable housing 

o important to support rural services 

� Downham Market – can’t keep expanding. (Some agents also 

promoting expansion) 

� King’s Lynn – address the transport issues to enable the new growth 

planned 

� Support for brownfield first strategy because of the regeneration 

benefits, but recognise the need to deliver so a range of sites should 

be allocated. Have a realistic strategy. 

� Flood risk should guide strategy. 

17

5.13 Accessible and Connected 

Linking people to improved services and information, and to stronger 

communities within and outside West Norfolk. 


� Improve broadband / wireless connections throughout the borough 

� Improve public transport provision (including improving our rail service) 

� Address congestion / air quality / traffic issues in Kings Lynn 

� Improve the strategic road network; A47 but also A10 and A17. 

� Consider a Park and Ride scheme for King’s Lynn, and a Parkway 

Station 

� Secure the future of the Port 

� Adopt a clear parking strategy for Kings Lynn and Downham Market 

� Improve road safety across the borough. 

How were these issues addressed? 

5.14 A full report of consultation is available on our website (www.westnorfolk.gov.uk). 

This report details all comments received and officer 

responses to each comment made to the discussion papers. These 

consultation responses have been used to inform the Core Strategy 

Regulation 25 document, and are summarised under the ’What you have 

told us’ headings within each chapter of that document. 

18

6. Regulation 25 Consultation (2009) 

Introduction 

6.1 The Core Strategy Regulation 25 document was produced in February 

2009 and published for public consultation for six weeks starting on 

Monday 23 rd February to 5pm on Monday 6 th April 2009. 

The document is structured in the following way: 

� Vision 

� Policies for places: Settlement Hierarchy 

King’s Lynn 

Downham Market 

Hunstanton 

Rural Areas 

Coastal Areas 

� Area wide policies: Sustainable Development 

Housing 

The economy 

Transportation 

Environmental Assets 

Community, Social & Culture 

� Key Diagrams 

� Implementation 

6.2 Within each chapter we adopted a standard approach: 

� Elements of the Visions supported by this Chapter 

� Context 

� Consultation – what you have told us 

� Evidence – What it tells us and implications for policy 

� Sustainability Appraisal – What it tells us 

� What have we learnt 

� Policy approach 

� (Consultation response) Question 

� Justification 

6.3 The results were collated from the previous consultations (outlined earlier 

in this report) and rolled forward into this document into the ‘What you 

have told us’ section. The Council specified its preferred policy approach 

on each of these policy areas, and explained where the policy approach 

has come from by including key issues from the consultation results, 

evidence and the sustainability appraisal. The Regulation 25 document 

was a consultation document to propose policy approaches rather than a 

draft Core Strategy. 

19

6.4 Copies of the Core Strategy Regulation 25 document, and in some cases 

notification of this were sent to all consultees previously involved in the 

LDF process. 

Who was invited to make comments at Regulation 25 stage? 


the Regulation 25 stage. Broadly, this was all those who were consulted 

and who commented on previous consultations. The consultees can be 

summarised into the following respondent categories: 












Issues Paper 







How were comments invited at Regulation 25 stage? 

6.6 The Core Strategy document was published and copies distributed to 

consultees on our mailing list. A summary leaflet was also produced to 

include an introduction to the process/this stage; a summary of main 

proposals places and general policies; a ‘how to respond’ section and; the 

next steps. Consultation responses were encouraged through our webbased 

consultation procedures. This made for easier collation, recording 

and assessment. Paper copies of the response form were available on 

request. 

6.7 The consultation material was made available to view at the council’s 

offices at King’s Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton, libraries and 

exhibitions, and on the council’s website. The Core Strategy Regulation 25 

document is available to download from our website: 

http://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=24523 

20

6.8 Three ‘exhibitions’ were held across the Borough- 

Hunstanton/Downham/King’s Lynn (to cover parishes in the areas). These 

were open to Councillors, Parish/Town Councils, stakeholders, community 

representatives and the general public. A small selection of the exhibition 

boards was made available in the Council’s Customer Information Centre. 

The workshops were attended by 115 people. 

6.9 Ongoing meetings were held with organisations such as the PCT, utilities, 

education authorities etc. This was to ensure the potential policies could 

be implemented, and ran parallel to work on an Infrastructure Study. 

6.10 Targeted consultation was carried out with those groups referred to as 

‘hard to reach’. Working with the West Norfolk Partnership Community 

Cohesion Officer we identified those groups to engage with further and the 

best ways to ensure we do this successfully. Officers attended the 

following meetings to consult with the representative groups within our 

community 

� West Norfolk Youth Forum (Jun 2009) 

� Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities (March /April 2009) 

� Diverse Communities Forum (March 2009) 

6.11 Further to the discussion within the Advisory Committee for People with 

Disabilities and the Diverse Communities Forum, representatives on the 

groups were asked to take the document away and feedback any 

comments from their organization/ group, and letters and emails were sent 

out to community representatives to specifically target ‘hard to reach’ 

groups e.g. older persons in the borough. 


� Your Council magazine (Autumn 2008). 

� Advertisements (Friday 6/3/09 – Fri 13/3/09, two editions of the Lynn 

News Friday, one edition of the Lynn News Tuesday, one edition of the 

Norfolk Citizen and also one edition of the Fenland Citizen.) 

� Press Release 19 Feb 2009. 

� Internal Affairs (Feb 2009) 

� West Norfolk Partnership ‘Focus’ e-zine (March 2009) 

� Use of the council’s website and West Norfolk Partnership website. 

What were the main issues raised at the Regulation 25 stage? And how 

were these issues addressed? 

6.13 A total of 130 letters / responses were received, containing about 600 

individual comments, within the statutory 6 week consultation period. The 

results of the consultation and officer responses to these can be seen in 

21

Core Strategy 

document 

section 

Vision 

(Statement 1) 

Spatial Strategy 

(Policy 1) 

Policies for 

Places 

Settlement 

Hierarchy (Policy 

2) 

full on our website. Below is a summary of the major issues raised by 

respondents and officer responses to these. 

Issue raised Suggested action 

1. Vision and Objectives ought to be 

separated for clarity 

2. Vision ought to specify targets e.g. 

housing provision 

1. The debate upon the suitability of the 

strategic approaches overall is often 

influenced by desires to promote 

specific sites and challenge 

competing aspirations. 

2. Some challenge concerns of 

inadequacies in infrastructure by 

either ignoring published studies or 

dismissing anecdotal evidence e.g. 

parish opinions, as irrelevant. 

3. Strategic housing provision – need to 

clarify timeline and differing targets: 

� 5 year supply 

� RSS - 2021 

� PPS 3 – 2025 

� Contingencies for non-delivery 

� RSS Review 

1. Need to clarify/justify suggested 

dispersal figures notably: 

� King’s Lynn (why 7,100 

d/50,000 pop?) 

� Downham to receive greater 

role and allocation / too great a 

provision in rural areas 

� Review criteria and role of 

Settlement Hierarchy 

� Possible role of KSC – 

significant/positive growth 

versus local need 

� Confusion between overall 

provision and new allocations 

1. Agree. Vision and objectives to 

be included under separate 

headings 

2. Disagree, targets are objectives 

and should be kept separate 

from the aspirations. 

1. Noted but the Core Strategy 

needs to have its foundation in 

spatial thinking to help achieve 

the vision. 

2. Review evidence in light of 

current infrastructure study and 

consider stronger means to 

present non-technical views. 

3. Need to resolve confusion in 

policy, will be revised. 

Explain the changing relationship 

with RSS and other assumptions. 

Consider greater provision in towns. 

Assess values and possible need 

for additional layer(s). 

Review/reassess rural sustainability 

objectives and clarify. 

Clarify relationships and 

Overall/built/committed/required. 

Kings Lynn 1. Option 1 challenged on flood-risk 1. Note national policy on 

22

(options) (Policy 

3) 

Kings Lynn 

(Policy 4) 

Downham 

Market (Policy 5) 

Hunstanton 

(Policy 6) 

Rural areas 

(Policy 7) 

Coastal areas 

(Policy 8) 

Area Wide 

Policies 

Sustainable 

Development 

(Policy 9) 

2. Option 3 thought to be choice of one 

site only for urban expansion 

1. Conflicting opinion re extent of King’s 

Lynn and consequent population: 

� Unparished Wards 

� Built-up area including 

Woottons and West Winch. 

2. Challenge to Regeneration and floodrisk 

1. Role of town; contribution to housing 

and economic growth. 

2. What infrastructure required to 

redress recent problems. 

3. Who pays for infrastructure – service 

investment or developer led? 

1. Request specific numbers for 

housing and employment 

growth in Hunstanton 

2. Need year round economy in 

Hunstanton, and year round 

activities. 

3. Need for infrastructure to 

accompany growth. 

regeneration and flood-risk. 

2. Possible permutation acceptable 

1. Define for clarity. 

2. Note national policy on 

regeneration and flood-risk. 

1. Review evidence and objectives. 

2. Await infrastructure review to 

confirm requirements, secure TC 

support of findings. 

3. Review current approach and 

provide certainty more in 

infrastructure provision policy. 

1. Agree. This information will be 

included in the submission 

version Core Strategy. 

2. Agree. Policy does include this. 

3. Agree. Infrastructure provision 

policy considers this, and this will 

be developed further in the 

submission version Core 

Strategy. 

Growth versus local need Review/reassess rural sustainability 

objectives and clarify 

Concerns relating to impacts of flooding 

and dealing with development in coastal 

areas. 

Specific policy on renewables target. 

Merton Style Policy. 

Need to await recommendations 

from Shoreline Management Plan. 

This would reiterate Regional 

guidance however most Councils 

are including specific renewable 

targets in their Local Development 

Frameworks. 

Housing 1. Need to update position on 1. Consider Housing Section 

23

(Policy 10) gypsy and traveller provision 

The economy 

(Policy 11) 

Transportation 

(Policy 12) 

Environmental 

assets (Policy 

13) 

Community, 

social and 

culture (Policy 

14) 

2. Concern that the affordable 

housing target is set below 35% 

set out in the RSS. 

3. There is too great a reliance 

upon existing unimplemented 

allocations and permissions. 

1. There are not enough jobs in 

the area. 

2. Support for approach to rural 

areas (one response suggests 

rural exception policy should 

not be subject to local support). 

3. Request specific numbers for 

economic growth (including 

retail). 

4. Need for a flexible approach to 

be able to respond to business 

need and encourage land take 

up. 

Topic of infrastructure raised 

frequently. We need to press this 

aspect home. 

1. Need to consider Geodiversity. 

2. Need to address heritage sites and 

incorporate into environment section. 

1. Built Environment Character mapsshould 

be maintained to ensure local 

distinctiveness. 

2. Chapter structure/ content/ breadth 

of issues –tries to deal with too 

much, could be merged/condensed? 

Survey – currently underway. 

2. A flexible approach being 

considered to ensure the 

viability of schemes. 

3. Monitoring of completions and 

of the Core Strategy to 

overcome any deficit in 

provision. 

1. Policy aims to facilitate job 

growth in our economy. 

2. Welcome support (Note detailed 

concern. Will review wording 

and check in line with national 

policy). 

3. Agree. This information will be 

included in the submission 

version Core Strategy. 

4. Acknowledge concerns. 

Economy policy does provide 

for a range of sites, and this 

will be monitored throughout 

the plan period to ensure it 

responds to demand. 

Ensure robust comments in 

new/raised transportation policy 

and Infrastructure provision. 

1. This can easily be 

incorporated. Will discuss with 

Geodiversity Partnership to 

ascertain where exactly sites 

of concern are. 

2. Will incorporate more detail on 

our assets. English Heritage 

will need to express if they 

have particular issues of 

concern. Most of these issues 

will be picked up in the Site 

Specifics and the emerging 

Green Infrastructure Strategy. 

1. To be addressed in Site 

Allocations Development Plan 

Document. 

2. Chapter completely restructured. 

24

3. Design – should promote community 

cohesion through creating a village 

identity. 

4. Gateways – vital to visitor experience 

and community well-being. 

5. Historic Environment – neglect of 

historic environment and historic 

tourist sites in document, need to 

emphasise importance in addition to 

natural environment as tourist 

attraction. 

6. Leisure and tourism –specific 

facilities, such as policies for sports 

provision? 

7. Natural Assets – contribution to 

tourism though need to recognise 

potential visitor pressure on 

biodiversity assets. 

8. Non-specific chapter, does not deal 

with specific policies/ future 

development. 

9. Insufficient consideration to needs of 

both an ageing population and also 

the relationship between 

existing/older and new communities 

Open space 

1. Provision before development. 

2. Increase provision to reduce 

pressure on natural environment. 

3. Specific policies for future 

provision? 

4. Orchards and open countryside as 

assets to promote recreation 

(walking/cycling/fruit picking etc). 

Provision for elderly – more reference to 

how would deal with elderly population 

in terms of housing, infrastructure… 

Tourism 

1. Improve gateways to enhance 

3. Design issues covered in 

sustainable development 

policy. 

4. No specific reference but 

policy CS8 Sustainable 

Development would cover 

these issues. 

5. Following comments the 

document has been subject to 

a series of amendments 

throughout to protect historic 

features. 

6. Policy revised to support 

proposals that protect, retain or 

enhance sports, leisure and 

recreation facilities. 

7. Protection key element of 

Policy 13 Environmental 

Assets. 

8. Need to retain strategic nature 

of document. 

9. Need to identify stronger links 

to Sustainable Community 

Strategy? 

1. Detailed as a appropriate for 

developer contribution in 

infrastructure provision policy 

timing of provision to specific. 

2. Revise policy wording so that the 

location and layout of 

development should be within 

walking distance of open space. 

3. Revise policy wording and 

infrastructure provision policy 

revised to list open space as 

appropriate for developer 

contribution. 

4. Specific issue would be more 

appropriate if considered in 

subsequent documents. 

More reference made in the 

document to the aging population 

1. No specific reference but policy 

25

Implementation 

(Policy 15) 

Monitoring 

visitor experience 

2. Improve Hardwick roundabout to 

improve tourism and therefore 

economy. 

3. Enhance tourism opportunities in 

the South of Borough to reduce 

pressure on North. 

Village Design Statements 

Important material considerations to 

maintain local distinctiveness in 

villages. 

Policy 15 does not provide sufficient 

certainty in terms of infrastructure 

contributions nor is sufficiently clear to 

enable an Supplementary Planning 

Document to be prepared. 

CS8 Sustainable Development 

would cover these issues. 

2. To specific as an issue for this 

document. 

3. Include in the Downham Market 

policy. 

Importance of good design to be 

emphasised in Sustainable 

Development policy. 

Ensure robust comments in 

new/raised policy 15 and 

amendment to policy. 

Other Ensure clarity in linkages between 

various chapters e.g. tourism > 

economy and culture and policies 

for places 

Separate between strategy and 

detail of sustainable development 

e.g. pepper-potting references to 

historic interest within strategies 

Clarify roles of Key Diagram 

(indicative and not to scale) and 

Proposals Map (precise boundaries 

etc) 

26

7. General Arrangements 

In addition to the specific consultation methods outlined previously in the report, 

there are a number of general arrangements we operate throughout the LDF 

process. 

Officers regularly attend the West Norfolk Partnership Management Group 

Meetings, and when appropriate the West Norfolk Partnership Board itself. The 

Partnership has been fully involved throughout the Core Strategy process. 

The LDF team also holds regular Corporate Officer Groups to ensure officers 

throughout the Council are involved in the production of the LDF, and to ensure 

the LDF maintains its role as a corporate document. Similarly the LDF team 

regularly attend the Growth Partnership for King’s Lynn, the West Norfolk 

Tourism Forum and a range of regeneration/ partnership groups to deliver the 

regeneration and growth aspirations throughout the borough. 

The LDF process and the documents themselves are overseen by the LDF Task 

Group. This group of approximately 12 Members meets with officers on a 

(minimum) monthly basis to provide political guidance for the LDF. In addition to 

the LDF Task Group wider Members briefing sessions are held at consultation 

stages. Development Services also hold regular training and briefing sessions for 

Parish Councils throughout the borough and these have been used to inform and 

consult with our parishes. 

27

Appendices 


A Core Strategy Consultees 29 

B Joint Consultation with the Sustainable Community 

Strategy, including- 

� Consultation Leaflet 

� Poster & Advertisement 

� Flip Chart Sheets 



C Regulation 25 Consultation, including- 

� Exhibition Boards 


� Advertisement 

� WNP Newsletter 

� Internal Affairs 

� Consultation with ‘hard to reach groups’ 


43 

45 

46 

48 

51 

53 

60 

62 

63 

64 

65 

75 

28

Appendix A – Core Strategy Consultees 

Parish Council’s 

Anmer Parish Council Meeting North Creake Parish Council 

Bagthorpe with Barmer Parish North Runcton Parish Council 

Meeting 

Barton Bendish Parish Council North Wootton Parish Council 

Barwick Parish Meeting Northwold Parish Council 

Bawsey Parish Meeting Old Hunstanton Parish Council 

Bircham Parish Council Outwell Parish Council 

Boughton Parish Meeting Pentney Parish Coucnil 

Brancaster Parish Council Ringstead Parish Council 

Burnham Market Parish Council Roydon Parish Council 

Burnham Norton Parish Meeting Runcton Holme Parish Council 

Burnham Overy Parish Council Ryston Parish Meeting 

Burnham Thorpe Parish Council Sandringham Parish Council 

Castle Acre Parish Council Sedgeford Parish Council 

Castle Rising Parish Council Shernborne Parish Meeting 

Choseley Parish Meeting Shouldham Parish Council 

Clenchwarton Parish Council Shouldham Thorpe Parish Meeting 

Congham Parish Council Snettisham Parish Council 

Denver Parish Council South Creake Parish Council 

Dersingham Parish Council South Wootton Parish Council 

Crimplesham Parish Council Southery Parish Council 

Docking Parish Council Stanhoe Parish Council 

Downham Market Town Council Stoke Ferry Parish Council 

Downham West Parish Council Stow Bardolph Parish Council 

East Rudham Parish Council Stradsett Parish Meeting 

East Walton Parish Meeting Syderstone Parish Council 

East Winch Parish Council Terrington St. Clement P.C. 

Middleton Parish Council Terrington St. John P.C. 

Gayton Parish Council Thornham Parish Council 

Emneth Parish Council Tilney All Saints Parish Council 

Feltwell Parish Council Tilney St Lawrence Parish Council 

Fincham Parish Council Titchwell Parish Meeting 

Flitcham cum Appleton P.C. Tottenhill Parish Council 

Fordham Parish Meeting Upwell Parish Council 

Fring Parish Meeting Walpole Cross Keys Parish Council 

Gayton Parish Council Walpole Highway P.C. 

Great Massingham Parish Council Walpole P.C. 

Grimston Parish Council Walsoken Parish Council 

Harpley Parish Council Watlington Parish Council 

Heacham Parish Council Welney Parish Council 

Hilgay Parish Council Wereham Parish Council 

Hillington Parish Council West Acre Parish Council 

Hockwold Parish Council West Dereham Parish Council 

29

Holme-next-the-Sea Parish Council West Rudham Parish Council 

Houghton Parish Council West Walton Parish Council 

Hunstanton Town Council Welney Parish Council 

Ingoldisthorpe Parish Council Wereham Parish Council 

Leziate Parish Council West Winch Parish Council 

Little Massingham Parish Council Wiggenhall St Germans Parish Council 

Marham Parish Council Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen P C 

Marshland St. James Parish Council Wimbotsham Parish Council 

Methwold Parish Council Wormegay Parish Council 

Middleton Parish Council Wretton Parish Council 

Nordelph Parish Council 

Neighbouring Parish Council’s 

Barsham Parish Council Narborough Parish Council 

Beachamwell Parish Council Narford Parish Meeting 

Brandon Town Council Newton by Castle Acre Parish Meeting 

Lexham Parish Meeting Newton Parish Council 

Christchurch Parish Council Oxborough Parish Council 

Cranwich Parish Meeting Rougham Parish Council 

Didlington Parish Meeting Sculthorpe Parish Council 

Dunton Parish Council South Acre Parish Council 

Elm Parish Council Sutton Bridge Town Council 

Foulden Parish Council Sutton St Edmund Parish Council 

Gedney Parish Council Tattersett Parish Council 

Holkham Parish Council Tydd St Giles Parish Council 

Lakenhealth Parish Council Walsingham Parish Council 

Leverington Parish Council Weasenham St Peter Parish Council 

Little Downham Parish Council Weeting Parish Council 

Littleport Parish Council Wisbech Town Council 

Long Sutton Parish Council 

Adjoining Planning Authorities 

Breckland District Council Lincolnshire County Council 

Cambridgeshire County Council Norfolk County Council 

East Cambridgeshire District Council North Norfolk District Council 

Fenland District Council South Holland District Council 

Forest Heath District Council Suffolk County Council 

Go-East The Planning Inspectorate 

Highways Agency 

Norfolk County Councillors 

Cllr Bett Cllr Collop 

Cllr Brown Cllr Eels 

Cllr Bolt Cllr Humphrey 

Cllr Hutson Cllr Rockcliffe 

30

Cllr Joyce Cllr Rye 

Cllr MacDonald Cllr White 

Cllr Monbiot Cllr Wright 

Local MP’s 

Henry Bellingham, MP Christopher Fraser, MP 

Agents 

Adrian Parker Planning Martin Hall Associates 

Barry L Hawkins Martin Williams 

Bennett Plc Matt Sturgeon 

Bidwells Matthew Gosling 

Boswell Building Design Maxey & Son 

Brand Associates Michael E Nobbs 

Brown & Co Michael Yarham 

Bullock Homes Ltd. Mike Hastings Building Design 

Calvert Brain & Fraulo Morton Consultants 

Cowper Griffith Associates Mr A Parry 

David Broker Design Services Mr D H Williams 

David Futter Associates Ltd Mr D Taylor 

David Trundley Design Services Mr DP Wadlow 

English Brothers Ltd Mr E J Zipfell 

Fakenham Designs Mr F Munford 

Fenland Design Mr S Lloyd, Architect 

Geoff Place Mr Stephen Wood 

Geoffrey Collings & Co Neville Turner 

Grahame Seaton Design Ltd Parsons & Whittley 

Greg Garland Peter Gidney 

Greg Saberton Design Peter Godfrey 

H T Sellers Peter Humphrey Associates 

Harry Sankey Philip J Gurr 

Ian H Bix & Associates Richard C F Waite 

Ian J M Cable Richard Powles 

J K Race Robert Lord Associates 

Jason Ess Rounce & Evans 

John Hobden Russen & Turner 

John Retchless Savills Estate Agents 

John Stephenson Scotia Design 

Kaz Swievdzewski SDS Design - Sean Wilson 

Ken Elener Search Ltd 

Kenneth Bush SJA Design 

M A Loake 

South Wootton Design Service 

M Gibbons 

Attn: Ray Atherton 

M L M - EH Phillips Status Design 

Stirling Maynard & Partners Vawser & Co 

31

Swaffham Architectural Ltd Weekone Limited 

T Faire Windsor Architectural Design 

Attn: Dick Windsor 

Tawn Landles William H Brown 

Templeman Associates Ltd 

Attn: George Templeman 

Z M Design Ltd 

Statutory Consultees Ely Diocesan Office 

AEG Europe UK Head Office (O2) English Heritage 

Age Concern West Norfolk District English Sports Council - East 

Airport Operators Association Environment Agency 

Anglian Water Services Ltd Environment Agency Recreation and 

Navigation 

Borough Council of King's Lynn & 

West Norfolk 

Equality & Human Rights Commission 

British Chemical Distributors and Fisher German 

Traders Assoc 

British Horse Society Freebridge Community Housing 

British Red Cross Friends of St Botolphs 

British Toilet Association Go-East 

British Waterways Grimston, Congham and Roydon 

Residents Association 

BT Gypsy Roma Traveller Achievement 

Service Leeds 

Byways and Bridleways Trust Hardwick Industrial Association 

Catholic Church Homes and Communities Agency 

CBI East of England Health and Safety Executive 

Centre of Ecology and Hydrology 

Chemical Business Association 

Help the Aged 

Churchfield and Plawfield IDB Highways Agency 

Civil Aviation Authority Hockwold Village Hall 

Council for the Protection of Rural Home Builders Federation 

England 

CPRE West Norfolk District Hunstanton Environmental Landscape 

Programme 

CSV Head Office Hunstanton Library 

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Hunstanton Seafront Traders Assoc 

Committee 

Downham Market Library Hunstanton TiC 

Downham Market TiC In Heacham Initiative 

East of England Development Agency Institute of Directors 

East Winch Church Treasurer King Edward VII High School 

EDF Energy KL & WN Youth & Community Service 

32

King's Lynn Civic Society Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 

King's Lynn Consortium of IDB Southery and District IDB 

King's Lynn Library The British Chambers of Commerce 

KLARS The Coal Authority 

Mobile Operators Association The Planning Inspectorate 

National Grid The Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS 

Trust 

National Trust Redgate Junior School 

Natural England Road Haulage Association Ltd 

Network Rail Road Haulage Association Southern & 

Eastern Region 

Norfolk & Suffolk Government Team The Secretary of State for Transport 

Natural England Town Centre Partnership 

Norfolk Constabulary Transport for London 

Norfolk County Council Vodafone Limited Registered Office 

Norfolk Landscape Archaeology West Norfolk Chamber Of Commerce 

Norfolk Rural Community Council West Norfolk Primary Care Trust 

Park Lane Residents Association West Norfolk VCA 

RSPB East of England Norfolk Women's Circle Group 

Roydon Common Norfolk Wildlife 

Trust 

Interested Non Statutory Parties 

Albanwise Ltd Commission for New Towns and 

English Partnerships 

Ancient Monuments Society Commission for Racial Equality 

Associated British Ports Conservancy Board 

Auto Cycle Union Council for British Archaeology 

B G Transco Crown Estate Office 

Barroway Drove Social Committee Department for Education and Skills 

Barroway Drove Women's Institute Dept for Constitutional Affairs 

Bridge Street Residents Association Dept for Culture Media and Sport 

British Geological Survey Dept for Transport 

CABE Dept for Work and Pensions 

Caddick Dept of Trade and Industry 

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Diocesan Board of Finance 

Castle Acre Church of England First Disability Matters 

School 

Castle Acre Parish Plan Downham and District Amenity Society 

Civil Aviation Authority Downham and Stow Bardolph IDB 

College of West Anglia Downham Market Chamber of Trade 

Colliers CRE 

Commission Architecture and the 

Built Environment 

Downham Market Community Action 

Group 

33

Downham Market Women's Institute Gaywood Forum: Gaywood Park Action 

Group 

East Anglia Gypsy Council Gaywood Forum: KL Evangelical 

Church 

East Cambridgeshire District Council Gaywood Park Action Group 

East Lynn Community Network Gaywood Park Community Group 

East Midlands Development Agency Gaywood Traders' Association 

East Midlands Regional Assembly Georgian Group 

East of England Planning Aid Government Office for the East 

Midlands 

East of England Regional Assembly GPSS 

East of the Ouse, Polver and Nar IDB Grimston Tree Warden 

East Winch Bowls Club Harding's Pits Community Association 

Ltd 

East Winch Primary School Hillington Square Residents Association 

East Winch Village Hall Trustees HM Railways Inspectorate 

East Winch Youth Club Home Office 

English Partnerships Hudson Fen / PARC 

Evangelical Church Hunstanton Bowls Club 

EWS Railway Ltd Hunstanton Accomodation Association 

Fen and Allotment Trust Hunstanton Civic Society 

FFT Planning Hunstanton Environment Landscape 

Programme 

First Travel Hunstanton Regeneration Partnership 

Forestry Commission Hunstanton United Businesses 

Freight Transport Association Keep Burnham a Village Group 

Friends of the Earth Keeping Wretton Rural 

Friends of the Walks/Walks Forum King's Lynn Preservation Trust 

Friendship Club (over 60's) King's Lynn Regeneration Partnership 

Garden History Society King's Lynn Sea Cadets 

Gayton Parish Plan Steering 

Committee 

Mr Phillip Carter 

Gayton Road Medical Centre Mrs J.J Faire 

Gayton 'Vital Villages' Parish Plan 

Committee 

Primary School Northwold 

Gaywood Community Centre 

Committee 

'The Mallard' newsletter 

Gaywood Forum: College of West The Nelson Memorial Hall 

Anglia 

Gaywood Forum: Fairstead Area The Norman Church of England 

Neighbourhood Group 

The Ormiston Trust 

The Parish of St. Faith's Gaywood Walpole Cross Keys Women's Institute 

The Park High School Walsoken Village Hall 

34

The Ramblers Association Welney Parish Action Plan Group 

The Theatres Trust Wensum Valley Project 

The Voice of the Villages Magazine West Norfolk Council for Voluntary 

Services 

The Wash and N Norfolk Coast EMS 

Management Scheme 

West Norfolk Food Partnership 

The Wash Estuary Strategy Group West Norfolk Tourism Forum 

Town Center Partnership Women's National Commission 

Victorian Society 

WAGN Railways Ltd 

Wootton Park Recreational Association 

Interested Parties 

4 Streets Residents Association Caroline Parsons 

A.J. and J.M. Smith Carpenter Planning 

Adams Homes Associates Carter Jonas 

Alan Jones Catriona Romney 

Andrew Barratt CgMs Consulting 

Andrew Fundell Cheffins Planning & Development 

Andrew Martin Associates Chris Brooker 

Andrew S. Campbell Clive. V. J. Dellino 

Andy Chu Colin and Kathleen Goldsmith 

Angela Leach Colin T. Sampson 

Annette Osler Colliers CRE 

Atisreal UK 

Community and Regional Planning 

Services 

Atkins Limited Crown Castle UK Ltd 

Audrey. E. Cuss Cruso & Wilkin 

Babtie D. S. Fenton 

Barry Shears Dave Flower 

Barton Willmore David Askew 

Berwin Leighton Paisner David Barnes 

Beverley Boughen David Holmes 

Bidwells David Hurn 

Bovis Homes David L. Howard 

British Wind Energy Association David Nash 

Busy Bee’s Pre School David Riley 

C. Yardley David. J. Carter 

Carl Fuller Denver Estates Ltd 

Carl Suckling Desmond K Waite 

Carol Gandy Dev. Plan UK 

Carole Casey Dialogue 

Diane Longmuir Hunstanton Commercial Park 

DLP Planning Ltd Hunstanton Town Council 

Downham Market by Design I. B. Steeton 

35

DPDS Consulting Group I. M. Witham 

Dr. Stephen Howard Ian Harper 

East Midlands Regional Assembly, 

The Belvoir Suite, Council Offices 

Ian Mitchel 

Elgood & Sons Ltd Iceni Projects Limited 

Information Resource Manager 

Emery Planning Partnership 

Ivan Jordan 

Environment Agency J. Booty 

Eversheds LLP James Cambridge 

Fairstead Area Neighbourhood Group James Lee 

Fairstead Community Association Janet Goodall 

Fenland Trust January’s 

FPD Savills Jeremy Stacey Architects 

Fuller Peiser Jim Hyde 

Gavin Lane John Claxton 

Gaywood Community Centre John French 

George Goddard Ltd. John Mason 

George Wimpey Strategic Land Johnathan Harbottle 

Gerald Eve Julian Hepburn 

Geraldine Fox K. G. Matthews 

Gervas Steele K. Thompson 

Gillian Goold Karl Brothers 

Gough Planning Services King's Lynn Anglian Association 

Land & New Homes Countrywide 

Grahame Seaton Lawson Planning Partnership Ltd 

Grassmere 

Green Space Technical Assistant 

Levvel 

Depot-Hardwick M. J. Bentley 

Grounds & Co Malcolm Alsop 

H. E. Medlock Malcolm Jug & Partners 

H. M. Hare Mark A Vawser 

Havard, Sharp & Partners Messrs Maxley & Son 

Hawkins Solicitors Methwold Parish Council Clerk 

HBF Middle Level Commissioners 

Heather Farley Mike Hardy 

Hereward Housing Association Milburn & Company Ltd 

Limited Miss Gillian Savage 

Hillington Square Residents 

Molly Disbrey 

Association Mono Consultants Ltd 

Hives Planning Mr & Mrs. R. Richardson 

Hopkins Homes, Melton Park House Mr & Mrs C Goldsmith 

Mr & Mrs P Carter Network Analysis, Network Strategey 

Mr & Mrs Wyman Nicola L Bickerstaff 

Mr Alan Bumstead Norfolk Constabulary 

36

Mr B. Jones Norfolk Geodiversity Partnership (RIGS) 

Mr Burgess Norfolk Lavendar Limited 

Mr Danny Thorpe Norfolk Local Access Forum 

Mr E. W. Golding 

Norfolk No 1 Circuit Planning 

Representative 

Mr J. Cross North Beach Owners 

Mr J Dearling North End/North Lynn Community Trust 

Mr John Ellison North Lynn Action Group 

Mr K Thompson North West Estates Plc 

Mr K. Coker-Terry O. C. Brun 

Mr Marcus Turner O. F. Crisp 

Mr N Scott P. Mitchell 

Mr Nathan Rose P. Stewart 

Mr P. A. Smith P.R.Hewitt 

Mr P D Carter Pat Dawson 

Mr Peter Hollox Patricia Starr 

Mr R. Pendall Paul Lusher 

Mr R J Raab Pauline Homan 

Mr R. T. Warren PCL Distribution 

Mr Richard Sears PCM Llwellyn 

Pegasus Planning Group 

Mr Stephen James Wright Peter Coe 

Mr T. Claydon Philip Sture 

Mr Trevor C. Forecast 

Planning Issues 

Plot of Gold Ltd 

Mr W. C. Richman Pratt Family Partners Ryston Estate 

Mr Wheatley Rachel Hobbs 

Mrs. C.E. Perrin Railroad Terminal Limited 

Mrs. C. S. M. Hume Rannerlow Limited 

Mrs. Cynthia Easeman Raymond. J. Platter 

Mrs. J. Spooner Robert Goddard 

Mrs Hodgkinson Robert Long Consultancy Limited 

Mrs Howard Robinson & Hall 

Mrs M J King Roger and Joyce Burton 

Mrs M. Woodcock Roy. A. Francis 

Mrs P Thompson Royal Mail Group 

Mrs S. Richards Mrs. June Leamon 

Mrs Susan Mason Royal Town Planning Institute 

Ms Shan Tedder RPS Chapman Warren 

Natural England Russell Hirst 

S and H Brown & Sons Suffolk Camra Pubs 

S. J. Scarrot Tesco Stores Limited 

S.J. Saunders The Fairfield Partnership 

Sandringham Estate The Inland Waterways Association 

Savills The Landscape Partnership 

37

Sculthorpe Parish Council 

The Lawn Tennis Association The 

National Tennis Centre 

Senior Planning Consultant, 

Development & Residential 

Consulting 

The Planning Bureau Limited 

Sharon Ludford The Robert Doughty Consultancy 

Travellers Liaison Officer, Saddlebow 

Smith Stuart Reynolds 

Travellers Site 

South Lynn Community Centre Tribal MJP 

South Lynn Residents Association Twoinole 

St Michaels Residents Association Tyler-Parkes Partnership Ltd 

Stamford Homes Wells Area Partnership 

Steele & Co Wetherall Green and Smith 

Stock Land & Estates Ltd Woolley & Company 

Strutt & Parker Zanncolm 

West Norfolk Partnership 

Jenny Walker Adult Education 

Maureen Byrne Adult Social Services 

Ian Pullen Adult Social Services 

June Stokes Adult Social Services 

Susan Lowe Age Concern 

Debbie McCarthy Alderman Jackson School 

Gill Bannister Audit Commission 

Chris Bamfield BCKLWN 

Alistair Beales BCKLWN 

Laura Beveridge BCKLWN 

Sharon Clifton BCKLWN 

Lorraine Douglas BCKLWN 

Liz Falconbridge BCKLWN 

Debbie Gates BCKLWN 

Mike George BCKLWN 

Sarah Glenn BCKLWN 

Geoff Hall BCKLWN 

Paul Harrison BCKLWN 

Tim Humphreys BCKLWN 

Ben Hunter BCKLWN 

Councillor Jason Law BCKLWN 

John Norton BCKLWN 

Roger Partridge BCKLWN 

Andy Piper BCKLWN 

David Thomason BCKLWN 

David Hanson BCKLWN - Care and Repair 

Ronel Erasmus BCKWLN / University of Hertfordshire 

38

Ian Burbidge Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 

Norfolk 

Councillor David Collis Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 


Councillor Nick Daubney Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 


Emma Elflett Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 


Ray Harding Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 


Councillor David Harwood Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 


Brian Long Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 


Councillor Nockolds Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 

Elizabeth 


Martin Slater Borough Council of King's Lynn & West 


Catherine Lang Breckland District Council 

Stephani Davis Broadland Housing 

Katie Gilchrist Broadland Housing 

David Martin Business Link 

Kathy Saunders Chair of Norfolk Disabled Parents Alliance 

Paul Kunes Chamber of Commerce 

Caroline Germann Childrens Services 

Andrew Platt Churches Together 

Jill Francis College of West Anglia 

David Pomfret College of West Anglia 

Mark Reavell College of West Anglia 

Sue Spurgeon College of West Anglia 

Carol Comer Connexions 

Councillor Morrison Councillor and Young Peoples Champion 

Andrew 

Kelly Bowen East 

Malgorzata Strona EERA 

Geoff Brighty Environment Agency 

Sam Lewin Environment Agency 

Paul Smith Environmental Health and Housing 

Derrick Holmes Federation of Small Businesses 

Ron King Federation of Small Businesses 

David Bailey Fenland District Council 

Michael Bagshaw Fire Service 

Judith Carter Freebridge Community Housing 

Robert Clarke Freebridge Community Housing 

Jacqueline Fry Freebridge Community Housing 

39

Tony Hall Freebridge Community Housing 

Sean Kent Freebridge Community Housing 

Mark Funnell Gayton Road GP Surgery 

John Place GO East 

Jane Belfield Heacham Infant School 

Tom Makin-Bell Help the Aged 

Heather Garrod HS recruitment 

Bob Davies Hunstanton United Businesses 

Pat Brodowski Job Centre Plus 

Ken Smart Job Centre Plus 

Mick Farley Julian Housing 

Julie Symons Julian Housing 

Louise Heinemann KLARS 

Christopher Lindley KLARS & Churches Together 

Marion Nobbs Learning & Skills Council 

Rory Robertshaw Learning and Skills Council 

Justin Davies Legal Services Commission 

Elena Parkin Library Service 

Linda Tree Library Service 

Julia Little Marshland High School 

Matthew Parr-Burman Marshland High School 

Beatrice Humarau MENTER 

Pa Musa MENTER 

Paul Kunes MTL 

Anriette Mynhardt NCH - Childrens Charity 

Ian Bradley NEA Eastern Region 

Inna Melnyk NEAD 

Elizabeth Barnett NHS Norfolk 

Julie Bunn NHS Norfolk 

Maria Greenshields NHS Norfolk 

Noel McGivern NHS Norfolk 

Vicky Mitchell NHS Norfolk 

Jane Steward NHS Norfolk 

Linda Cross Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health 

Partnership 

Pauline Davies Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health 

Partnership 

Sara Mann Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health 

Partnership 

Tracey Shipman Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health 

Partnership 

Sue Barrett Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health Trust 

Sue Plaw Norfolk Association of Local Councils 

Caroline Williams Norfolk Chamber of Commerce 

Andi Harrowing Norfolk Childrens Services 

40

Tim Venes Norfolk Coast Partnership 

Mike Austin Norfolk Constabulary 

Nick Davison Norfolk Constabulary 

Elaine Hyde Norfolk Constabulary 

Pat Kavanagh Norfolk Constabulary 

Paul Adams Norfolk County Council 

Julia Bivon Norfolk County Council 

Jennifer Chamberlin Norfolk County Council 

Jane Fisher Norfolk County Council 

Sonya Garland Norfolk County Council 

Harry Humphrey Norfolk County Council 

Maureen Lewis Norfolk County Council 

Roger Morgan Norfolk County Council 

Vince Muspratt Norfolk County Council 

Richard Rockcliffe Norfolk County Council 

Peter Simmonds Norfolk County Council 

Sandra Summerfield Norfolk County Council 

Judy Youngs Norfolk County Council 

Beverley Evans Norfolk County Council - Adult Education 

Charles Hare-Winton Norfolk County Council - Childrens 

Services 

Sue Jorgensen- Norfolk County Council - Childrens 

Moore Services 

Robin Konieczny Norfolk County Council - Childrens 

Services 

David Lennard Norfolk County Council - Childrens 

Jones Services 

Susan Saxby Norfolk County Council - Childrens 

Services 

Peter Holliday Norfolk Fire Service 

Christopher Gillett Norfolk Governors Netwrok Rep 

Andy Hodgson Norfolk Learning Partnership 

Olwen Guard Norfolk Library Service 

Michelle Hill Norfolk PCT 

Sian Kendrick- 

Jones 

Norfolk PCT 

Mark Weston Norfolk PCT 

Azam Gabbair Norfolk Police Authority 

Mark Hill Norfolk Police Authority 

Rowena Kerr Norfolk Probation Service 

Janice Howell Norfolk Rural Community Council 

Everjoice Makuve Norfolk Sexual Health Unit 

Derek Wilkins Norfolk Youth Offending Team 

Claire Bailey North Norfolk District Council 

Sean Whyte Norwich & Norfolk Racial Equality Council 

41

Mick Potter NWES 

Becki Morphus Olive Tree Project 

Janie Codona One Voice 

Kirsty Dexter Ormiston Travellers Initiative Norfolk 

Julie Brett Parent Governor 

Kate Sayer Parish & Town Council Representative 

Joanne Haws PCT 

Paula Hall Purfleet Trust 

Kate Gordon Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

Gill Rejzl Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

Beth Shannon Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

Angela Staples Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

Nerissa Vaughan Queen Elizabeth Hospital 

Adrian Burns RAF Marham 

Sue Mitchell- RAF Marham 

Gears 

Frances Piggott Shaping Norfolks Future 

Pat George St Michaels Primary School 

Julia Haig Targeted Mental Health in Schools 

Mark Osborn Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Unit 

Kath Williams The Pension Service 

David Parish Vice Chair of Chamber Council 

Geraldine Walsh Well Family Association 

Sohale Rahman West Norfolk and Fenland Muslims 

Jane Evans West Norfolk Carers 

Kwai Li West Norfolk Chinese Association 

Peter Weston West Norfolk Deaf Association 

Eddie West- West Norfolk MIND 

Burnham 

Bernard Ducker West Norfolk Tourism Forum 

Heather Farley West Norfolk VCA 

Daisy Line West Norfolk VCA 

Peter Morris West Norfolk VCA 

Amanda Keegan West Norfolk YMCA 

Vicky Etheridge WNP-Improving Neighbourhoods 

Tim Sweeting YMCA Norfolk 

Mohammed Edris 

Tony Howell 

Angela Jenner 

John Rees 

42

Appendix B - Joint Consultation with the Sustainable 

Community Strategy - ‘Your views on your neighborhood’ 

Consultation leaflet (front) 

43

Consultation leaflet (back) 

44

Example of Consultation Poster and Advertisement 

45

Examples of Flip Chart Sheets used for consultation workshops 

46

NEWS RELEASE 

PR 926 

20 February 2008 

For immediate release 

Your views on your neighbourhood 

The people of West Norfolk are being urged to take part in a series of workshops 

aimed at gathering views on the way the borough develops over the next 20 

years. The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, along with the West 

Norfolk Partnership, is running a joint consultation on two major documents 

which together will form a blueprint for the future of the borough. 

The West Norfolk Partnership is consulting on the Sustainable Community 

Strategy. A document which sets out overarching aims and objectives to enable 

service providers to take a coherent approach to tackling the issues identified by 

local people that will enhance the quality of life for people choosing to live and 

work in the borough. The Borough Council is consulting on a series of discussion 

papers which will inform the Local Development Framework for the whole 

borough. The Local Development Framework will set out the borough’s planning 

strategy and policies, covering issues such as flood risk, renewable energy, 

affordable housing, development in the countryside and the regeneration of the 

borough. 

Ian Burbidge, Policy and Performance Manager and lead officer for the 

Sustainable Community Strategy, explained: “It essential that we identify the 

priorities for people in West Norfolk, not only on a borough wide basis but also at 

a neighbourhood level. When we really understand what the issues are in each 

area, we can work with partners to develop services that are appropriate to the 

residents of that area. By developing the two documents together, we can 

48

ensure that land use and development helps to facilitate the achievement of 

those overarching aims and objectives.” 

Hot topics up for discussion could include transport issues, wireless internet 

access, facilities for young people, as well as matters such as infrastructure to 

support significant housing development and where the allocated development 

should take place.” 

Groundbreaking research has already taken place at a neighbourhood level 

across the borough with over 2,500 residents completing face-to-face interviews. 

A random sample of people were asked a range of question to get their opinions 

on local issues including perceptions of crime, aspirations, access to social 

activities, sense of belonging, level of community involvement and pride and so 

on. The results of this piece of research are still being analysed and will also be 

used in the development of the Sustainable Community Strategy. 

Cllr Nick Daubney, Leader of the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk 

and Chair of the West Norfolk Partnership, explained: "A shared ambition and 

priorities are essential in Partnership working and for the future of West Norfolk. 

The Sustainable Community Strategy has had input from a range of agencies 

and organisations from throughout West Norfolk and now we really want 

residents to have a say on how their neighbourhood and borough develops. 

These documents are wide ranging and cover all aspects of peoples’ lives. It is 

essential that we get as many people to share their opinions as possible." 

Cllr Jason Law, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Development Services, 

said: "This is an excellent chance for people to have their say on the way the 

borough develops. We undertook consultation sessions in 2006 for the Local 

Development Framework; we have listened to what people said and have 

developed a discussion document based on those responses. We want to check 

49

that we have got it right and I would encourage people to come along to these 

workshops to have their say about what is important to them. " 

Workshop sessions will be running across the borough, with tea, coffee and 

biscuits available, on the following dates - 

Syderstone Village Hall Saturday 1st March 10am-12pm 

North Wootton Village Hall Saturday 1st March 10am-12pm 

Hunstanton Town Hall Saturday 1st March 2pm- 4pm 

Leziate Village Hall Saturday 1st March 2pm- 4pm 

Fincham Village Hall Saturday 15th March 10am-12pm 

Feltwell British Legion Hall Saturday 15th March 10am-12pm 

Tilney St Lawrence Village Hall Saturday 15th March 2pm- 4pm 

Downham Market Town Hall Saturday 15th March 2pm- 4pm 

NORA Project Office/South Lynn Centre Saturday 29th March 10am-12pm 

Lynnsport Saturday 29th March 10am-12pm 

Gaywood Church Rooms Saturday 29th March 2pm- 4pm 

Residents who would like to come along should either call 01553 616236 or 

01553 61251 or email ldf@west-norfolk.gov.uk. The sessions are neighbourhood 

based and residents should attend the sessions for their area; a copy of the 

neighbourhood map along with further information on these events and copies of 

the consultation documents are available at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk or 

www.wnp.org.uk. 

Ends 

For Further information contact - 

Cllr Jason Law, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Development Services on 

01485 535172 

Leader of the council, Cllr Nick Daubney on 01553 616356 or 07717151884 

50

Letter sent out to consultees 

Your ref: 

Our ref: 

Please ask for: C Churchill 

Direct dial: (01553) 616236 

Direct fax: (01553) 616652 

E-mail: claire.churchill@west-norfolk.gov.uk 

(date) 

Dear Sir/ Madam 

Your views on your neighbourhood – Consultation on the Local 

Development Framework and Sustainable Community Strategy. 

Head of Development 

Services 

Geoff Hall 

The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and the West Norfolk 

Partnership are holding a series of workshops aimed at gathering views on the 

way the borough develops over the next 20 years. They are running a joint 

consultation on two major documents which together will form a blueprint for the 

future of the borough. 

The Borough Council is consulting on a series of discussion papers which will 

inform the Local Development Framework for the whole borough. The Local 

Development Framework will set out the borough’s planning strategy and 

policies, covering issues such as flood risk, renewable energy, affordable 

housing, development in the countryside and the regeneration of the borough. 

You may remember that we have already carried out consultation work on the 

Core Strategy at both the Issues and Options stage and the Preferred Options 

stage of the LDF process. Following Government recommendations and the 

production of additional documents for our evidence base, the Council decided to 

take a step back. We want to look again at the issues for the borough and make 

sure we have got these right. 

The West Norfolk Partnership is consulting on the Sustainable Community 

Strategy. A document which sets out overarching aims and objectives to enable 

service providers to take a coherent approach to tackling the issues identified by 

51

local people that will enhance the quality of life for people choosing to live and 

work in the borough. 

It is essential that we identify the priorities for people in West Norfolk, not only on 

a borough wide basis but also at a neighbourhood level. By developing the two 

documents together, we can ensure that land use and development helps to 

achieve those overarching aims and objectives. 

The Council have put a series of LDF discussion papers on our website at 

http://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=22497 These are arranged to 

reflect the priority themes of the Sustainable Community Strategy. From March 

1 st 2008 you will be able to comment on these papers online, and give us your 

opinions and ideas on the future of the borough. The documents will be available 

for comments until 31 st March 2008. 

The consultation workshops will be based around these papers. The leaflet 

enclosed outlines where and when the workshops will be held, and the 

neighbourhood map included will indicate which meeting will cover your 

neighbourhood. 

If you have any questions require a paper copy of the discussion papers, or 

require an alternative format please contact us on ldf@west-norfolk.gov.uk or 

01553 616236 / 616251. 

Yours faithfully 

Head of Development Services 

52

Appendix C – Regulation 25 Consultation 

Consultation Exhibition Boards 

53

NEWS RELEASE 

PR 1197 

19 February 2009 

For immediate release 

Planning for the future 

Ensuring that West Norfolk remains a great place to live, work and visit is high on 

the agenda for the Borough Council's planning team, which has been busy 

preparing a document that will guide future development across the whole of the 

area up to 2025. 

The document, referred to as the Core Strategy, will be the subject of a public 

consultation running from 23 February to 6 April and contains a series of draft 

proposals which seek to balance the need to regenerate the area to secure its 

economic future, develop housing to meet the demand for people to have decent 

homes to live in and at the same time preserve, protect and enhance the 

qualities that make West Norfolk a great place to live - village communities, 

heritage, and beautiful coast and countryside. 

Cabinet Member for Development Cllr Vivienne Spikings explained: "We have to 

be clear about how we want the area to develop in the future. That means 

having a clear strategy. Our planning officers have done a lot of work gathering 

views, finding out what the priorities are and assessing the various options. But 

as with everything, these plans and proposals will have practical implications for 

local residents and businesses. That's why we want to find out what people 

think. We need to check that we've understood and reflected what people have 

already told us and that we taken into account the key issues facing West 

Norfolk. I would urge people to come to our consultation events, have a look at 

the proposals and tell us what they think." 

60

Some of the main issues and questions covered in the draft Core Strategy are: 

- Broad location and scale of development in all our towns and villages. 

- Potential development locations within King's Lynn, Hunstanton, Downham 

Market and the area adjacent to Wisbech. 

- How new housing growth will be shared across the borough. 

- How will we ensure that new affordable housing is provided and what 

percentage of new development should that be? 

- How do we ensure that the necessary infrastructure is provided to support new 

housing development? 

- How to avoid flood risk areas and protect our environmental assets 

Exhibitions are being held between 2pm and 7.30pm at Hunstanton town hall on 

Tuesday, 10 March, Downham Market town hall on Thursday, 12 March and 

King's Lynn town hall on Tuesday, 17 March. 

For anyone unable to make it to one of the exhibitions, all the documents can be 

viewed online at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk and comments can be submitted 

direct. 

Once complete the Core Strategy document will form part of the Local 

Development Framework which, when finalised, will form the blueprint for the 

development of West Norfolk until 2025. 

Ends 

For more information contact: 

Claire Churchill, Principal Planner (Policy) on 01553 616236 

For comment contact: 

Cllr Vivienne Spikings, Cabinet Member for Development, on 01945 772248 

61

Consultation advertisement 

62

West Norfolk Partnership Newsletter 

63

Internal Affairs article 

64

Examples of consultation with ‘hard to reach’ groups 

West Norfolk Youth Forum Thurs 11 June 09 

Consultation on Core Strategy Reg25 document 

What things do you think are important in different sorts of places (towns / 

villages)? 

� Better public transport 

� Free parking 

� Corner shop 

� Hunstanton – need to improve beach and make it better for people all year 

round. Centre of our boroughs tourism. Need better health facilities there. 

Should have parking permits for local people. 

� For shopping – Do some in Kings Lynn but need better shops here. 

If we are to grow King’s Lynn then what other things do we need to plan 

for? 

� Better design of housing 

� Better roads 

� More parks and open space 

� Better facilities – public toilets 

� Need to regenerate areas before we build any more housing 

� Need to protect countryside – very important to our area 

� Want a better cinema, a nightclub, things to do. 

� Hunstanton – more facilities at the Oasis pool. 

� Downham Market – Cinema 

Better leisure centre 

Youth Centre 

Population of mixed age groups. 

What are the implications of the growth on the borough? 

Good 

� Increasing the population will help the economy 

� With more people living here Kings Lynn will get put ‘on the map’ 

� More businesses and jobs 

� Good press 

� Better design of areas / improving areas 

� Improving the environment 

� Less youth crime if there is more going on 

65

Bad 

� Cheaper housing may attract the wrong sort of people 

� Risk of loosing the countryside feel of the place 

� Loose existing smaller villages 

� Not eco friendly 

� Expensive 

Concerned that the growth needs to attract the right sort of people to come to live 

in the town, to make it more upmarket. Not build more estates that will be run 

down, and where people won’t want to be. This is going to decide how the town 

changes. Its very important. 

66

BOROUGH COUNCIL OF KING’S LYNN AND WEST NORFOLK 

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 

Notes of a Meeting of a Special Meeting of the Advisory 

Committee for People with Disabilities held on Tuesday 7 th April 

2009 at 6.00pm in the Committee Suite, King’s Court, Chapel 

Street, King's Lynn 

PRESENT: 

Representing the Borough Council: 

Councillors D Harwood (Chair), Mrs A Clery-Fox, G Daniell, M Langwade, 

J Legg, Mrs J Murphy, G Sandell, Mrs S Smeaton. 

Representing People with Disabilities: 

W Blades, T Gilder, S Lowe. 

Officers Present: 

C Churchill. 

Apologies for absence were received from: Councillor G Sandell. 

J Evans, P French, S Smith, T Smith. 

1. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK – CORE STRATEGY 

The Chair welcomed Claire Churchill, Principal Planner to the 

meeting. 

Claire Churchill gave a presentation to the Committee that 

briefly outlined what the Borough Council was attempting to 

achieve with the Core Strategy. 

She explained that the Core Strategy set out the key elements 

of planning framework for the area and comprised the following: 

� Spatial vision 

� Strategic objectives and spatial strategy 

� Core policies 

� Monitoring and implementation framework. 

67

The Core Strategy formed part of the Borough Council’s Local 

Development Framework (LDF). Other components of the LDF 

were outlined as follows: 

� Local Development Scheme (project plan) 

� Statement of Community Involvement 

� Annual Monitoring Report 

� Other plan documents and supplementary planning 

documents 

� Site specific allocations and policies. 

She informed the Committee that the Core Strategy document 

was still in its early stages and consultation was ongoing. 

Following closure of the consultation period, responses would 

be analysed to assist preparation of the final draft version of the 

strategy. The final draft would then be submitted to Regional 

Government for examination, before final adoption in 2010. 

A copy of the slides from the presentation are attached as 

Appendix 1. 

Following the presentation the Committee was invited to ask 

questions and provide feedback on the presentation and 

strategy as summarised below: 

(i) Development on Flood Risk Areas 

Councillor Mrs Smeaton asked if future development to the 

East of the Thames barrier would have an impact on 

development in West Norfolk. 

Claire Churchill explained that development on flood risk areas 

was to be avoided where possible. If development was to take 

place on an area of land at risk of flooding, the Council would 

have to prove to Regional Government that this was the most 

suited site to be used and all other alternatives had been 

investigated. 

68

The Chair drew the Committee’s attention to the map on page 

92 of the Core Strategy Regulation 25 document and explained 

that the areas marked as at risk of flooding included fluvial 

flooding and sea flooding. He explained that the Internal 

Drainage Board was currently working to alleviate the risk of 

fluvial flooding in some areas in King’s Lynn, which would 

hopefully expand the areas available for potential development. 

(ii) Areas for Development 

Councillor Mrs Murphy informed the Committee that she was 

aware of potential development of one thousand houses in the 

Leziate/Ashwicken area. 

Claire Churchill explained that this site had been identified by a 

developer and an expression of interest in developing the site 

had been submitted to Regional Government for the East of 

England. At present, Claire Churchill was unaware if a 

submission had been made to the Borough Council for this site. 

She explained that following the consultation process for the 

Core Strategy, the Borough Council would then analyse 

responses and prepare a final draft version of the Core 

Strategy. At this stage significant sites would be identified that 

the Borough Council believed would be suitable for 

development and those sites would be suitable, available and 

deliverable. 

(iii) Current Economic Climate 

Concerns were raised regarding the impact the recession could 

have on potential developments and the amount of growth 

proposed in the Core Strategy. 

The Committee was informed that Government Housing 

requirements meant that the Borough Council would have to 

deliver about 5000 new sites by 2025. 

The share of new growth would be split as follows: 

69

� 43% of development in King’s Lynn 

� 21% of development in Hunstanton and Downham 

Market 

� 21% of development in key service centre villages 

� 2% of development in other villages. 

Claire Churchill explained that key service centre villages were 

villages that already had certain service provisions in place, 

mainly the larger villages in the Borough. 

She explained that the Borough Council shared the concerns of 

the Committee regarding the current economic climate, but as 

yet the Government had not provided any guidance on an 

alternative approach if the Borough Council was unable to 

deliver the required development. 

Claire Churchill informed the Committee that the Borough 

Council would have to come up with realistic, cost effective 

solutions. Eg. where promoting development on brownfield land 

which was often considered less economically viable. 

The Chair commented that the Government Minster for Housing 

had recently announced that many of the house building targets 

suggested by Government were unlikely to be reached. The 

Government had also recently announced that they felt the 

recession was to last longer than expected. 

The Chair explained that, by having documents such as the 

Core Strategy in place in readiness for the market to pick up, 

developments could start as soon as possible. 

(iv) Transport and infrastructure 

In response to a question from Councillor Langwade, Claire 

Churchill explained that Norfolk County Council, in partnership 

with the Borough Council, were currently carrying out a King’s 

Lynn Area Transport Study (KLATS). This study was being 

used to identify which directions of growth would have the least 

impact on transport and travel in King’s Lynn. Results from the 

70

study would be incorporated into the final draft of the Core 

Strategy. 

The Borough Council and Norfolk County Council were jointly 

working on their plans and priorities for the Borough and 

alternative methods of transport were being investigated. 

Claire Churchill explained that the Borough Council shared the 

concerns of the Committee regarding transport issues and had 

made concerns known to Norfolk County Council. 

The Committee commented that Norfolk County Council tended 

to focus more on infrastructure issues in Norwich and felt that 

West Norfolk was sometimes neglected. 

Councillor Daniell reiterated concerns that traffic problems in 

King’s Lynn would need to be rectified before any further 

development commenced. 

Claire Churchill reminded the Committee that the recent bid to 

the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) had been successful 

resulting in £5.2 million being awarded to make improvements 

to infrastructure in King’s Lynn. 

Councillor Mrs Clery-Fox raised concerns regarding the amount 

of Heavy Goods Vehicles using the centre of King’s Lynn. She 

hoped that consideration would be given to ways to prevent this 

extra traffic using the centre of town. She suggested using an 

area near the Hardwick, adjacent to the railway line, where 

lorries could unload onto trains, and then goods transported, by 

rail, to the Centre of Town. 

Claire Churchill explained that problems such at this would be 

investigated as part of the KLATS. Investigations on how to 

utilise existing infrastructure and providing alternatives would 

be carried out. 

71

(v) Sustainable Development 

Councillor Mrs Murphy asked how good sustainable design 

practice would be promoted and Claire Churchill explained that 

at this stage the guidance was not prescriptive but the Borough 

Council would assist developers where possible. Issues 

regarding drainage and utilities would be the responsibility of 

the developers, but would be monitored by the Borough 

Council, where appropriate. 

The Chair explained that development would be very site 

specific, therefore design guidance would have to be broad. 

The varying financial input from developers on sites would also 

have an impact, for example larger developments sometimes 

provided infrastructure alongside the development. 

Councillor Mrs Murphy informed the Committee that she was 

aware that a British Standard Code of Good Practice for design 

in flood risk areas was soon to be published and agreed to pass 

details of this onto Claire Churchill. 

(vi) Housing needs 

Councillor Mrs Clery-Fox asked that consideration be given to 

providing rentable properties as part of future developments. 

Claire Churchill explained that a Government requirement was 

in place to provide 30% affordable housing in any new 

development of more than ten houses. 

In response to a question from Councillor Mrs Smeaton, it was 

explained that the Borough Council now employed an Empty 

Homes Officer who would be working to try and make use of 

empty properties. 

The Chair explained that there was a possibility that future 

Government legislation may enable Council’s to use 

Compulsory Purchase Orders on empty properties under 

special circumstances. 

72

The Committee was informed that new build properties were 

not eligible to pay Council Tax until they were fully completed. 

This meant that sometimes developers did not connect utilities 

until the property had been sold so that they did not have to pay 

Council Tax. 

The Chair thanked the Committee for their questions and 

thanked Claire Churchill for attending the meeting. 

Any further comments or questions on the Core Strategy 

Regulation 25 Document should be directed to Claire Churchill 

or by using the contact details on the back page of the 

document. 

2. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee for People with 

Disabilities would take place on Monday 11 th May 2009 at 

6.00pm, at Park House Hotel, Sandringham. 

The meeting closed at 6.55pm 

73

Example of letter sent out to ‘hard to reach’ groups/ consultees 

Your ref: OP R25 

Our ref: 

Please ask for: 

Direct dial: (01553) 616236 

Direct fax: (01553) 616652 

E-mail: claire.churchill@west-norfolk.gov.uk 

FAO 

Age Concern West Norfolk District 

13 St. James Court, 

St James Street, 

King’s Lynn, PE30 5DA 

(date) 

Dear 

Targeted consultation on Core Strategy 


Executive Director 

Development Services 

The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk are in the process of revising the 

adopted Local Plan, which will be replaced by a Local Development Framework (LDF). 

The Local Development Framework is a new suite of documents that the Council is 

producing to guide development decisions in the Borough in the period to 2026. One of 

these documents, the Core Strategy, sets out the vision and objectives for the area and 

includes broad policies for steering and shaping new development. It will also show the 

broad locations for housing and employment growth as well as indicating the 

infrastructure needed to support this. 

The Council are carrying out ongoing consultation on this document and would like to 

invite you as a representative of older people in the borough to make your views on the 

Core Strategy Regulation 25 document. In the absence of an official Older Persons 

Forum we would ask you to have a look at the document and consider whether there are 

any issues for older people that we have missed. While the formal consultation period 

has closed we are now contacting specific local community groups/ representatives to 

ensure they have had the opportunity to contribute to the consultation process. I have 

enclosed a copy of the document for your information and we are asking people to 

consider the questions in yellow boxes throughout the document. 

If you would like to submit any comments to us please ensure they reach us by 17th July 

2009 to make certain they can be taken into account 

If you would like to discuss this document, have any queries or would like some more 

information please contact me on 01553 616236. 

Yours sincerely 

Claire Churchill Ba(Hons) DipTP MRTPI 

74

Letter sent out to consultees 

Your ref: 

Our ref: 

Please ask for: LDF Team 

Direct dial: (01553) 616604 

Direct fax: (01553) 616652 

E-mail: ldf@west-norfolk.gov.uk 

(date) 

Dear Consultee, 

Core Strategy for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk- Consultation 23 rd 

February 2009 to 6 th April 2009. 


Executive Director 


I am writing to invite you to take part in the above consultation which will help 

shape the Borough in the period to 2025. The Core Strategy is a key document in 

the Local Development Framework. When completed it will contain an overall 

vision, objectives and a spatial strategy for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk; it will 

also contain policies against which planning applications will be considered. This 

document gives draft policies and proposals based on the outputs from previous 

consultations, evidence collected and having regard to the outputs from the 

sustainability appraisal. 

This stage is part of a wider consultation period (relating to Regulation 25 of the 

Town & Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) 

Regulations 2008) which will culminate in a document to be submitted to the 

Secretary of State for independent examination. Please find enclosed a copy of 

the consultation document, together with a summary leaflet. There is a significant 

amount of supporting evidence referred to throughout the document and this is 

generally available via the Council web site www.west-norfolk.gov.uk and 

following links to Planning and the Local Development Framework pages. 

Consultees should bear in mind that the suggestions made in the document are 

draft ideas, albeit based on evidence from previous consultations and studies. 

75

They should be a stimulus to debate. We hope to receive views, particularly from 

service providers, as to the practicality of the suggestions made and preferences 

for options. 

The document can also be viewed on the Council’s website but if you need 

additional copies please contact us. We would like to receive comments on the 

content of the document during the consultation period which runs from Monday 

23 rd February to 5pm on Monday 6 th April 2009. We would prefer you to make 

comments via the Council’s website www.west-norfolk.gov.uk, but you can write 

or email us at:- 

ldf@west-norfolk.gov.uk 

or : LDF Team 


Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk 

King’s Court 

Chapel Street 

King’s Lynn 

PE30 1EX 

If you have any queries about the document please contact the LDF Team on 

01553 616604. 

Yours faithfully 

Alan Gomm 

LDF Manager 

76

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